In 2016, Massachusetts citizens voted to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults aged 21 and older. But not everybody is welcoming the cannabis industry with open arms. Last night, a businessman who wants to open a retail shop and growing operation in my small Central Massachusetts town … [Read more...] about A little audience research goes a long way
The top 3 presentation tips for researchers and scientists
Recently, one of my newsletter subscribers asked me a question on behalf of his son, who's working on a Master's degree in genetics. By his own admission, he needs to make "better, more impactful presentations." I'm glad he asked, because knowing one has a problem is the first step in solving … [Read more...] about The top 3 presentation tips for researchers and scientists
I give you the gift of time: A homemade meal that’s on the table in about 30 minutes
Ah, the holidays. The time of year we plan elaborate parties for friends and family, dust off old copies of Martha Stewart Living to learn how to make festive decorations from the flowers we've preserved this year from our gardens, and make gingerbread houses from scratch with help from the whole … [Read more...] about I give you the gift of time: A homemade meal that’s on the table in about 30 minutes
Why is connecting with your audience so important?
Within the space of two weeks I attended two presentations that related to my son, one at his high school and one at a college he was touring. Interestingly, they shared a common theme: speakers who didn't try to connect with the audience. I don't know if this is something that educators usually … [Read more...] about Why is connecting with your audience so important?
Want your audience to love you? Give ’em a break.
This summer, I went on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the American Southwest with my son's Boy Scout troop. I didn't think I'd be learning anything about PowerPoint and presenting on that trip, but as it turned I learned a valuable lesson on the very first day. Scheduled breaks are very … [Read more...] about Want your audience to love you? Give ’em a break.
Punch Up Your PowerPoint Proficiency
Late last month, I recorded a podcast with Creative Boost founder Colleen Gratzer. The segment, "Punch Up Your PowerPoint Proficiency," is geared towards designers who believe that "PowerPoint is the devil!" Hating PowerPoint is like hating a hammer. Until you learn how to use any tool, it will be … [Read more...] about Punch Up Your PowerPoint Proficiency
ToolsToo an inexpensive, extremely useful PPT add-in
PowerPoint has a lot of functionality, but sometimes you need a tool that isn't there. That's when add-ins come into play. An add-in is a program that runs in PowerPoint. Often, an add-in will provide a completely new service, such as a photo library or a multiple-choice quiz. The add-in I want to … [Read more...] about ToolsToo an inexpensive, extremely useful PPT add-in
What’s your Presentation Plan B?
If you've been presenting for any length of time, you've experienced some sort of technical glitch in your presentation. How presenters react to technical glitches is what separates the pros from the noobs! Have a Plan B for when things go south. Here are two examples of real-life presentation … [Read more...] about What’s your Presentation Plan B?